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Read stories from supporters just like you!

Lynda: Time spent at Bethesda Naval Hospital

This probably isn’t the type of story you are looking to be submitted, but I decided to submit anyway. My son was severely injured in Iraq in October, 2004. He was 42 years old and a LtCol in the Marines. At that point in the war, he was the highest ranking officer to...

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Lynda: Time spent at Bethesda Naval Hospital

This probably isn’t the type of story you are looking to be submitted, but I decided to submit anyway. My son was severely injured in Iraq in October, 2004. He was 42 years old and a LtCol in the Marines. At that point in the war, he was the highest ranking officer to be injured and also the oldest. My daughter-in-law, as well as my daughter and I were at the hospital 24/7. There were a lot of very upset, young wives sitting around in the waiting rooms, some had their toddlers and babies with them. This was before everyone had cell phones. The USO had placed stacks of free phone cards around places we had access to, but not where the young moms were sitting. So my daughter and I handed out the cards to the young women and explained how to use them. We were using our cell phones to keep family and friends informed of my son’s progress. We were so pleased with ourselves until we went home and got our cell phone bills… our bills were over $400 each. Why didn’t we take advantage of USO’s generosity? Who knows!

Lee:

I was in Rome , Italy with a shipmate in 1989. I went into the Rome USO and noticed some small green notes on the reception desk.The next day was Palm Sunday so we went to St Peters for Mass. We were escorted to the side alter in St Peters square and for the whole...

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Lee:

I was in Rome , Italy with a shipmate in 1989. I went into the Rome USO and noticed some small green notes on the reception desk.The next day was Palm Sunday so we went to St Peters for Mass. We were escorted to the side alter in St Peters square and for the whole service was approx 20 feet from Pope John Paul II. I will never forget that day!!

Linda: Everyone should give back

The biggest and best impact USO has had on my life was the opportunity to volunteer with my local Chapter (USO Camp LeJeune, NC) with several activities-welcoming our Marines home from deployments, serving our Marines and their families Holiday meals, volunteering at...

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Linda: Everyone should give back

The biggest and best impact USO has had on my life was the opportunity to volunteer with my local Chapter (USO Camp LeJeune, NC) with several activities-welcoming our Marines home from deployments, serving our Marines and their families Holiday meals, volunteering at our various Chapter functions as well as functions aboard Camp LeJeune. As a third generation Marine family, giving back was my small way of saying thank you for all of their service to protect our Country and my freedoms. I am also very active in my local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Peter: Friendly people on my travels.

While traveling in the military stopped in airports and visited USOs to relax and get a drink before next flight.

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Peter: Friendly people on my travels.

While traveling in the military stopped in airports and visited USOs to relax and get a drink before next flight.

Robert: USO tour

Although I had almost five years active duty with the army my first contact with the USO occurred during a trip to Korea where I took the USO tour of the DMZ. I was very impressed and that started my support of the USO

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Robert: USO tour

Although I had almost five years active duty with the army my first contact with the USO occurred during a trip to Korea where I took the USO tour of the DMZ. I was very impressed and that started my support of the USO

Lisa: Military family

Our family is a military family. My husband a Marine and both of our sons are currently serving in the US Air Force. USO has been there for them from the beginning. Thank you USO.

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Lisa: Military family

Our family is a military family. My husband a Marine and both of our sons are currently serving in the US Air Force. USO has been there for them from the beginning. Thank you USO.

A night with Glenn Miller’s Band

Pedro: A night with Glenn Miller’s Band

I happened to be on TDY in Iceland between July 6, 1956, and July 28, 1956, with the 7366th Radar Evaluation ECM Squadron stationed at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Frankfurt. We were sent there to evaluate a radar station at Hofn. We were housed at on Air Base at...

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Pedro: A night with Glenn Miller’s Band

I happened to be on TDY in Iceland between July 6, 1956, and July 28, 1956, with the 7366th Radar Evaluation ECM
Squadron stationed at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Frankfurt. We were sent there to evaluate a radar station at
Hofn. We were housed at on Air Base at Keflavik. While we were there the USO troupe headed by the Glenn Miller’s Orchestra happened to visit the base and performed their famous music pieces. I will never forget that night.

I can’t tell my story

Ronald: I can’t tell my story

I can't tell my USO story, but the USO girls did a lot to lift our morale when I was with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea in 1974-76. I missed Bob Hope's show by one year. In '75 they came to Camp Hovey where one of them performed on New Year's Eve at the officers...

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Ronald: I can’t tell my story

I can’t tell my USO story, but the USO girls did a lot to lift our morale when I was with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea in 1974-76.
I missed Bob Hope’s show by one year.
In ’75 they came to Camp Hovey where one of them performed on New Year’s Eve at the officers club.

Russell:

Supporting the troops and thanking them for their service. Hoping to continue for years, since we will be in this for a long time.

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Russell:

Supporting the troops and thanking them for their service. Hoping to continue for years, since we will be in this for a long time.

Stephen: Continue the Mission

My son is an active duty Army Major. I became involved with the USO when he left for his first deployment to Iraq. He later deployed to Afghanistan and a second deployment to Iraq. He has directly benefited from the activities of the USO and I very much appreciate the...

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Stephen: Continue the Mission

My son is an active duty Army Major. I became involved with the USO when he left for his first deployment to Iraq. He later deployed to Afghanistan and a second deployment to Iraq. He has directly benefited from the activities of the USO and I very much appreciate the support of the USO for our troops of all of the services. I contribute to the USO 5-6 times a year and will continues to support the mission of the USO.

Navy life with thebUSo

Gerald: Navy life with thebUSo

I was stationed aboard the USS Antietam CVS 36 . Anti Submarine fleet 1955- Enlisted prior to being drafted Flight deck crew.Prior to deployment overseas. Our ship dry docked in the Boston Navy yards and a short stop in Virginia Navy yards. Finally our ships final...

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Gerald: Navy life with thebUSo

I was stationed aboard the USS Antietam CVS 36 .
Anti Submarine fleet 1955-
Enlisted prior to being drafted
Flight deck crew.Prior to deployment overseas.
Our ship dry docked in the Boston Navy yards and a short stop in Virginia Navy yards.
Finally our ships final destination was Mayport ,Florida as a training ship for future pilots.
Each and every time I had shore duty.
The local USO stateside would be my first stop.
They welcomed us lonely Sailors providing a safe environment.
Often providing local rooms to rent at local Private homes.
Making shore duty and leave less stressful and enjoyable.
I remember most the fine grey haired ladies.
Made a lasting impression on this young 19 year

The USO in Paris in 1969

Jon: The USO in Paris in 1969

I'm a military brat (my dad was U.S. Army) and I spent four years in the Air Force, so I've always known and appreciated what the USO does. But my fondest memory of the USO by far occurred on Bastille Day (July 14) in Paris in 1969. I was stationed at Ramstein Air...

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Jon: The USO in Paris in 1969

I’m a military brat (my dad was U.S. Army) and I spent four years in the Air Force, so I’ve always known and appreciated what the USO does. But my fondest memory of the USO by far occurred on Bastille Day (July 14) in Paris in 1969. I was stationed at Ramstein Air Base and a friend and I drove to Paris for the July 14 festivities. I had graduated from high school in Paris in 1965 and knew the city well. We slept on the ground in the Bois de Boulogne and I told my friend, who had never been to Paris, that we could go to the USO on the Champs Elysees to take a shower and get some coffee and donuts, which is what we did. We watched the big parade from the windows of the USO and saw Charles de Gaulle go by standing in his limousine. We visited Paris a couple more times before getting out of the service and stopped by the USO on the Champs each time, always getting great hospitality.

Gene: BOB HOPE SHOW, DANANG, VIETNAM, CHRISTMAS 1971

Enjoyed the Bob Hope Show in DaNang at Christmastime, 1971...a rest from the numerous rocket attacks. I remember sitting on top of the very muddy hill and watching Jim Neighbors, Ann Margaret and a baseball player I cannot any longer remember. Thanks for bringing the...

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Gene: BOB HOPE SHOW, DANANG, VIETNAM, CHRISTMAS 1971

Enjoyed the Bob Hope Show in DaNang at Christmastime, 1971…a rest from the numerous rocket attacks. I remember sitting on top of the very muddy hill and watching Jim Neighbors, Ann Margaret and a baseball player I cannot any longer remember. Thanks for bringing the Bob Hope Show to DaNang.

Debra: My story begins with a USO dance

March 1964, St. Louis, MO had a USO in the basement of I believe was a veterans building. It was downtown near the city hall. My friend heard about a Saturday dance. We went. I met my future husband that night. He and his friends were stationed at Fort Leonard Wood...

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Debra: My story begins with a USO dance

March 1964, St. Louis, MO had a USO in the basement of I believe was a veterans building. It was downtown near the city hall.
My friend heard about a Saturday dance. We went. I met my future husband that night. He and his friends were stationed at Fort Leonard Wood (Fort Lost in the Woods). They came up to St. Louis.
I went again and again met up with Bill. We wrote letters during the week. Met again at USO. I invited him to Easter church service and dinner with my family.
Bill was scheduled to report to Germany after a 30 day leave. He wrote a letter asking me to marry him. He called one evening, it was decided to marry. We had a week to plan wedding. After wedding we drove to his parents home in Southborough, MA. He went to Germany, 6 weeks later in June 1966 I joined him.

We had 4 daughters. Our first was still born. We were in Germany, experiencing the grief without parents. We were stationed in Arizona, Bill went to Viet Nam, then to Fort Sill, OK, onto Germany again. Back to the states 1975 to Fort Riley, KS.

We were married 6 weeks shy of 55 years when Bill passed away from Agent Orange.

Mary Perricotti
Salina KS

Gregory: The start of a USAF career!

My family and I spent 27 years in the Air Force. We moved 13 times. We spent our first and several other assignments overseas. I was a C-130 pilot, but to get to these assignments we often flew commercial as a family and sometimes my wife and boys flew without me. We...

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Gregory: The start of a USAF career!

My family and I spent 27 years in the Air Force. We moved 13 times. We spent our first and several other assignments overseas. I was a C-130 pilot, but to get to these assignments we often flew commercial as a family and sometimes my wife and boys flew without me. We could always count on the USO to have a safe place away from the maddening crowds where we could hang out with other military travelers or just snack and snooze. We met good people and shared stories. As a pilot I was honored to participate in a C-130/USO support mission in Vietnam, bringing entertainment to the troops. I hope my continuing small contributions help others find comfort, solace and good times in their own military service!

Great time

Brenda: Great time

Reopening dayton airport USO. I volunteered there f6 years and met a lot of wonderful service people: some became friends. I have over 1,832 volunteer hours and was looking forward to another 6+ years. I gave a ear to the service men as they were on way to funerals,...

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Brenda: Great time

Reopening dayton airport USO. I volunteered there f6 years and met a lot of wonderful service people: some became friends. I have over 1,832 volunteer hours and was looking forward to another 6+ years. I gave a ear to the service men as they were on way to funerals, weddings ect

Frank: The Story Is Not About Me !

Michael, the story isn't about me, it's about our fellow citizens who have signed up to defend our country - where ever they may be assigned. I was a naval officer, and my period of duty was when we were not at war or shooting at anybody. But that was just my luck of...

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Frank: The Story Is Not About Me !

Michael, the story isn’t about me, it’s about our fellow citizens who have signed up to defend our country – where ever they may be assigned. I was a naval officer, and my period of duty was when we were not at war or shooting at anybody. But that was just my luck of the draw. My two USNA roommates both got shot down in Vietnam, one surviving and the other died of his wounds. I support the USO because I know they give our service men and women what the U.S. Government doesn’t give them – a connection with home, entertainment in areas where a break from the grind is essential, and care packages that continually let them know that their country appreciates their service. Bob Hope and his troop during World War 2 is a perfect example. My contributions are just a drop in the bucket, but I’ll continue to contribute what I can as long as we have troops in harms way.

Art: The USO Club in Danang, Vietnam in 1965.

I was the Engineering Officer on the USS Holmes County, LST 836. My main experience with the USO was a USO Club in Danang, Vietnam, 1965 -1966. We enjoyed going to the USO Club there when we were able to. I'l never forget the sign at the door, "please leave you side...

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Art: The USO Club in Danang, Vietnam in 1965.

I was the Engineering Officer on the USS Holmes County, LST 836. My main experience with the USO was a USO Club in Danang, Vietnam, 1965 -1966. We enjoyed going to the USO Club there when we were able to. I’l never forget the sign at the door, “please leave you side arms at the door”. We were there at Christmas 1965 and you had Bob Hope give a show then, near Danang. I couldn’t go because I had the “duty” on the ship, but many of our crew were able to go and they had a great time. On Christmas Day, we had a ship’s barbecue on the shore and were each allotted 2, yes 2 beers! While I never used them in person, I noticed many times the USO facilities in various airports I passed through.

Charlotte: Patriotic Supporter

I am a patriotic American. I choose to support the USO as I am familiar with their great work in aiding our service members. I am honored to provide a small bit of comfort for our military while they are protecting my freedom.

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Charlotte: Patriotic Supporter

I am a patriotic American. I choose to support the USO as I am familiar with their great work in aiding our service members. I am honored to provide a small bit of comfort for our military while they are protecting my freedom.

Diane E: The Quiet Warrior My Father

We didn’t know all the things my father did in his 40 years in the Air Force we just got pieces of his life in the military. Dad was 19 years old right out of High School when he sign up to go into the Army his mother wanted him to go college so he did Old Miss. when...

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Diane E: The Quiet Warrior My Father

We didn’t know all the things my father did in his 40 years in the Air Force we just got pieces of his life in the military. Dad was 19 years old right out of High School when he sign up to go into the Army his mother wanted him to go college so he did Old Miss. when Dad was 16 he jointed CAP and learned how to fly at Freedom Field Air Base Seymour,Indiana he was one of the first to join in Indiana.
Out of Old Miss he went into the Army Air Corps. Then off to Texas he went
He wanted to fly the big planes, Dad said the bigger the better. He checkout
In the B24,B25 and the B-29s also C-46s and C-47s he loved to fly .
Dad told us how in WWII they bombed the Islands to end the war with Japan and to free our men and women in POW camps and how they threw their B-29s in Japan over those POW camps and how later they flew those boys home. He was 20 years old flying those bombers.
Then next it was Korea the peace keeping mission that turned into a all out war with North Korea, China and Russia. He couldn’t talk about the Korea with out getting tears in his eyes and then he would stop.
And start talking about the USO all the wonderful shows and food he said it was home away from home it took the men away from the ugliness of war and why they were there. Dad always had a big smile on his face when he talked about the USO. I have more of Dads life in the Air Force that he could tell us on TogetherWeServe.com Lt.Col Herbert H.C.Zumhingst. Im proud of him and miss him so dad passed away in 2008.
I made a promise to my father I would NEVER FOR GET WHAT ALL THOSE MEN AND WOMEN GAVE UP FOR OUR COUNTRY FREEDOMS.
God,Family,Country. Dad didn’t get all his medals in the Korean War. And he was bypassed two promotions because of Congress like a lot of other men did. He should of been a full bird Col. if not a one Star. He trained many pilot and instructor pilots.
Thats why we give and volunteer at The USO.

A desire to support our troops in harm’s way

George: A desire to support our troops in harm’s way

For ten years, I was responsible, along with eight other bikers, for creating the "MudBug Boogie" an annual Dallas-area crawfish boil that benefited the USO facility at DFW Airport. Over a decade, we raised more than $50,000 and provided thousands of phone cards for...

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George: A desire to support our troops in harm’s way

For ten years, I was responsible, along with eight other bikers, for creating the “MudBug Boogie” an annual Dallas-area crawfish boil that benefited the USO facility at DFW Airport. Over a decade, we raised more than $50,000 and provided thousands of phone cards for those in harm’s way to be able to talk with loved ones at home. It was a way for the North Texas Motorcycle Community to support our troops.

Jonathan: A former beneficiary of USO and why I support USO

Oct 1971 to Feb 1973, I was right seat pilot C-130 Hercules tactical airlift Vietnam. On December 24, 1971, at Than Son Nhut Air Base, just outside Saigon, I was wandering around base and a USO lady gave me a “care package” containing tootsie roll pops, cracker jacks,...

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Jonathan: A former beneficiary of USO and why I support USO

Oct 1971 to Feb 1973, I was right seat pilot C-130 Hercules tactical airlift Vietnam. On December 24, 1971, at Than Son Nhut Air Base, just outside Saigon, I was wandering around base and a USO lady gave me a “care package” containing tootsie roll pops, cracker jacks, bazooka bubble gum and more. In the Tu Do section of Saigon was a USO destination offering long forgotten USA goodies. At every airport in the USA I passed thru, was a USO lounge catering to active military. In flying around Vietnam, every so often, we carried USO ladies to-from Danang-Cam Rhan Bay-Than Son Nhut – these ladies we’re in the cockpit with the crew = rare opportunity to mix with America’s women. Mid December 1972, on the flight line at Than Son Nhut, maybe 3 people total could be seen – until a C-123 Caraboo (with its nose painted red, and Merry Christmas – Happy New Year painted on its flaps = Santaboo) pulled into the flight line, parked, the side door opened, stairs lowered – and down those stairs walked American USO women in skirts = several hundred military came out of nowhere heading directly to that Santaboo brightening up the lives of every GI in sight. Also, flying over Danang in 1972, we could see hundreds of troops at a huge USO show in progress. Oh, did we wish we were on the ground at that show.

USO brightened my life and has brightened the lives of millions of active duty troops away from home for many many years. I have donated to USO small amounts for over 20+ years. May 2, 2023, I arranged with USO a much larger donation to fund USO with its mission of uplifting the spirits of American troops overseas and at airports scattered throughout the USA.

A Lasting Tribute to My Father

Lyndia: A Lasting Tribute to My Father

Ms. Lyndia R. King gifts a bequest to the USO as a lasting tribute in memory of her father, Earnest William King, to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life. Ms. King hopes that this soldier’s story will give inspiration to those men and women who defend our...

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Lyndia: A Lasting Tribute to My Father

Ms. Lyndia R. King gifts a bequest to the USO as a lasting tribute in memory of her father, Earnest William King, to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life. Ms. King hopes that this soldier’s story will give inspiration to those men and women who defend our country and our freedoms, and that this gift will express hers and her father’s heartfelt gratitude for their service and sacrifices that will never be forgotten.

Earnest William King (1920–2011) was born on a farm in Blackridge, Virginia, where he grew up during the Great Depression as one of eight children. He was inducted into the U.S Army on Nov. 24, 1942 during World War II. After basic training in Camp Adair, Oregon, he served with Company K, 414th Infantry, 104th Division in the European Theater in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, where he was severely wounded on Nov. 17, 1944. He was honorably discharged from military service on Oct. 10, 1945.
He was a highly-decorated veteran of World War II, having received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for gallantry in action and courage, bravery and supreme devotion to his comrades under fire. He personally paid an enormous price for our freedom and struggled with recovery throughout his lifetime, yet felt it was his duty to serve. He never regarded his medals and awards as anything special or mentionable, and they were even unknown to his children until much later in life when they became adults.

After his service in World War II, Mr. King returned to Virginia to begin life with his wife, Mary, whom he had married in 1944 before being shipped overseas to serve in the European Theater. He began work as a supervisor for a furniture-making company and became the father of four children in four years. His life seemed to be going in the right direction, yet he was haunted day and night by an extremely important promise he had made several years before but had failed to keep. When he was wounded in 1944 and lay dying for two days on the battlefield, he had promised God if He let him live, he would spend the rest of his life serving Him and helping his fellow man. To keep that promise, he enrolled in a seminary institution in 1954 and became an ordained minister in 1958.

From that time on, in addition to being a soldier for his country, Mr. King became a soldier for God. His abiding faith in God sustained him, and he carried a message of faith and hope to others wherever he went. He had an uncommon compassion for people and touched thousands of lives with his love, concern and support in the many churches where he pastored for over 53 years up and down the East Coast. When he retired from the ministry, he continued to be a source of inspiration and a Christian example to all those who had the privilege to know him. Many have said he was the most honorable man they ever knew.

For thirty-some years, Mr. King was a member of a combat support group for veterans at McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia and eagerly looked forward to meeting with his “Band of Brothers” at every scheduled opportunity. He provided wisdom, encouragement and support and all of them displayed genuine love, respect and appreciation for each other. Mr. King always considered his association and comradery with this group of combat veterans to be the greatest honor of his lifetime.

Life was precious to Mr. King. He loved simple things and was captivated by the wonders of the world around him: a conversation with someone he never met before, a good sermon, good music, all things baseball, a flourishing vegetable garden, beautiful flowers, trees, birds, animals, and even clouds. His friends and family are certain he never forgot a single thing that ever happened to him in his life. He continually amazed them with the countless stories of his life, and the exact details of every situation he was describing, which made them feel as though they were there.

Mr. King was also a dedicated father and family man. He had four children, four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and was devoted to his wife for sixty-seven years. His greatest joy came when his family gathered around him, and he delighted in telling others, when he had an opportunity, how proud he was of them.

To his family, Mr. King was truly a soldier for God and country: a humble, moral, genuine, honest, compassionate, righteous, honorable and extraordinary man who certainly left the world a much better place. Without question, he was a hero to many.

Ms. Lyndia R. King gifts this bequest to the USO as a lasting tribute in memory of her father, Earnest William King, to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life. Ms. King hopes that this soldier’s story will give inspiration to those men and women who defend our country and our freedoms and that this gift will express hers and her father’s heartfelt gratitude for their service and sacrifices that will never be forgotten.

Paul: There’s no better way to support military members

I’ve met many troops after volunteering with USO. They all benefit from wherever the funds come from. I’ve worked both airports in Houston then funded the Military Entrance Processing Station center and helped start it up—was Team Leader for four years there. I also...

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Paul: There’s no better way to support military members

I’ve met many troops after volunteering with USO. They all benefit from wherever the funds come from. I’ve worked both airports in Houston then funded the Military Entrance Processing Station center and helped start it up—was Team Leader for four years there. I also sponsor the “Beach Bashes” at my Galveston Island beach home. This summer will mark the 7th year. It is a joy to interact with them and see first-hand the difference USO make in their lives.

I served as Chairman of the USO Advisory Committee for three years so have seen the Houston budget and know how the funds are spent. As a corporate CEO, I know a thing or two about budgets. All monies were spent well and made a tremendous impact.